Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, UFCW Local 401 joins people across Canada in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day honours the Survivors of the residential school system, along with their families and the many Indigenous children who did not survive. The effects of those institutions are felt powerfully to this day, with Canada’s last residential school only having closed in 1997; just under three decades ago.

This day of remembrance calls attention to our year-round obligations, as Treaty peoples with Treaty commitments and as a labour union dedicated to social justice, to commit to the ongoing work of reconciliation. This means listening to Indigenous voices; demanding justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people; and confronting and raising awareness about the systemic racism, economic inequity and displacement faced by Indigenous peoples.

Those commitments are especially important at a time in Alberta in which our provincial government has pushed forward a debate on separating from Canada — along with a host of other divisive “referendum” questions — in a way that would violate these Treaties. We wholeheartedly affirm the proposition that Treaties matter and denounce expressions of hate and division that target Indigenous peoples and their history.

We acknowledge the history that has made it possible for us to live and work on the traditional territories of Indigenous people on Turtle Island, and we pledge solidarity with First Nations and Métis peoples in the ongoing struggle for justice, equity and respect. A major part of acknowledging that history is raising up the voices of our own members who are engaged in the very personal work of reconnecting with family histories ruptured by adversity and the cultural forgetting that came with it.

Ron Klassen and Nate Fortin, both members of UFCW Canada’s Indigenous Committee, have joined Aaron Singleton from our Local to discuss the meaning of the day and to share their personal stories in videos you can view below.

“I want to thank everyone who takes this day as an opportunity to reflect, to share their stories, and to learn and grow together,” says President Thomas Hesse of Local 401. “In bargaining with employers in Alberta, we persistently called for the acknowledgment of this important day as a statutory holiday in the workplace. And we continue to seek out ways to be better allies to Indigenous people.”

“We encourage all our members to take time on this day to reflect, to learn and to act,” adds Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart. “Wear your orange shirt to show solidarity, get out and participate in a community event, support Indigenous-led initiatives, learn and listen and appreciate the opportunity to share knowledge and join in building a future where truth, healing and reconciliation can take root.”

You can also add your voice to our National Union’s ongoing call for provincial action on recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Click here to sign a letter to your provincial government.

Posted on: September 29,2026